Two attacking Surrey pit bulls will be put down

A 75-year-old man from Fleetwood is recovering from a vicious dog attack and the two pit bulls responsible will be euthanized.

On Sunday (Dec. 4), the man was walking near 96 Avenue and 162 Street when he was attacked by what were described as two pit bulls. He suffered deep lacerations to his arm that required 25 staples to close.

As it turns out, the two dogs were already classified as dangerous by the city because of another attack in October, when a couple was bitten by the dogs just outside Tynehead Park.

Once a dog is classified as dangerous, it must be kept in a six-sided cage while in a yard and muzzled at all times while in public.

Surrey Bylaw Manager Jas Rehal said Friday the city has completed its investigation and that the dogs are scheduled to be euthanized.

“Once we were able to determine that these were the dogs in question, we were able to go in and take them,” Rehal told The Leader.

Surrey is looking at strengthening its Dog Responsibility Bylaw in an effort to prevent further attacks.

Owners of dangerous dogs can now be fined $2,400 when they are in violation. Fines are being considered against the owners of the attack this week.

In January, Rehal will be bringing a report to city council recommending several changes to the dog bylaw, including an increase to the allowable fine.

Surrey Mayor Linda Hepner called for possible changes to the bylaw after a rash of dog attacks last summer.Council will consider changes next month.